A Fife farmer at the centre of a row about access to a historic right of way in Cupar has revealed he has “no problem” with people walking in his field if they behave responsibly and do not interfere with his livestock.
Landowner Robert Todd, of Blackety Side Farm, Leven, said he would also have “no problem” with a contentious padlock on the gate at Cow Brae being replaced with a rope or catch because he did not lock the gate and has “no idea” who has the key.
The Courier previously reported the concerns of St Andrews and North East Fife Ramblers Association Group. Walkers have been struggling to access the field at the Wards if they cannot climb the locked gate.
Locals say Cow Bridge over the River Eden used to be part of a right of way now lost, and while many people still climb the gate to walk along the Eden, environmental group, Sustainable Cupar, has been pushing for several years to have a right of way to Cupar Mills formally established.
This would also require a bridge to be built over the old Mill Lades beneath a railway tunnel.
However, at the most recent meeting of Cupar Community Council, SC chairman Andy Collins claimed the landowner was trying to charge an “unrealistic” amount of money to let Sustainable Cupar rent his land.
Mr Todd, who told The Courier his land was not for sale, said: “I have had correspondence from Sustainable Cupar who want to construct a walkway from South Road to the Cupar Mills area on the other side of the town and have met several times with their members to discuss this.
“The rent I proposed included rent of this area of land on the town side as well and they were free to plant wild flowers and put picnic tables in this area if they wished to improve its aesthetic and amenity value.”
Mr Todd said that while some areas of the land are dry there are some very wet areas and people need to be very careful where they walk.
Sustainable Cupar’s Andy Collins said: “Mr Todd bought the land in 2010 for roughly £1,500 per acre and the part we want to cut off with the path is about two acres. Last year he quoted Sustainable Cupar £30,000 for these two acres.
“My family did have a pleasant meeting with Mr Todd recently to discuss the reinstatement of the footpath across the Wards, and he has said that we could rent the land (two acres) for £1,000/annum. I explained that Sustainable Cupar do not have access to any regular funding.
“At the meeting I suggested that a path around the area would be an option, and we are waiting for Mr Todd to come back to us with a price for a five metre strip.
“Sustainable Cupar welcome the fact that Mr Todd is happy for the padlock to be removed and we will discuss with him the best way to secure the gate once the padlock has been removed.”
Cupar independent Fife councillor Bryan Poole said: “It seems to me that Mr Todd is presenting an opportunity an open gate if you like to Sustainable Cupar and the people of Cupar. If this is indeed the case, then I think Mr Todd should be thanked and Sustainable Cupar can now progress this project.
“I’m sure if some funding was required to help with this then we could find that from, for example, the locality budget.”